The Santa Rosa County evacuation zones are especially important for residents and visitors following the latest Hurricane Isaias updates in Florida. As of October 9, 2026, Santa Rosa County has issued an evacuation order covering Zones A, B, and C, along with low-lying areas and mobile homes. The county announced that the additional order for Zone C took effect at 8 a.m. Friday, October 9. Residents should check their exact addresses and follow current instructions from Santa Rosa County Emergency Management.
The county uses designated evacuation zones to identify areas that may face dangerous storm surge during hurricanes and tropical storms. Knowing your zone helps you understand whether officials may direct you to leave your home before hazardous conditions develop. Residents should not rely on a general description of their neighborhood when an official address-based map is available.
The latest county guidance also emphasizes preparation, safe evacuation routes, and access to emergency information. Because evacuation orders can change as a storm develops, residents should verify the current status through the county’s official emergency management resources before making decisions about travel or shelter.
Latest Santa Rosa County Evacuation Order for October 9, 2026
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management issued its first evacuation order for Zones A and B on October 8. Officials expanded the order to include Zone C the following morning.
The October 9 announcement identifies the following groups as subject to the evacuation order:
- Residents in Evacuation Zone A.
- Residents in Evacuation Zone B.
- Residents in Evacuation Zone C.
- People living in designated low-lying areas.
- Residents of mobile and manufactured homes.
The county’s announcement specifically urges affected residents not to wait to evacuate. Anyone unsure about their property’s designation should use the official address-based evacuation map.
The county also opened the citizen information line at 7 a.m. on October 9. Residents can call 850-983-4636 for information about the emergency.
These instructions relate to the current Hurricane Isaias response. Residents should not assume that the order will remain unchanged throughout the storm. Emergency officials may revise evacuation instructions as conditions evolve.
How to Check Your Santa Rosa County Evacuation Zone
The safest way to identify your evacuation zone is to search for your property using Santa Rosa County’s official Know Your Zone tool.
The county provides an interactive evacuation map that allows residents to determine whether their homes fall within a designated zone. This approach is more reliable than identifying a zone based only on a nearby city, road, beach, or neighborhood.
Follow these steps to check your address:
- Open the Santa Rosa County Emergency Management website.
- Select the Evacuation Zone App or Know Your Zone option.
- Enter your residential or property address into the interactive map.
- Review the zone displayed for that location.
- Check the county’s latest emergency announcements to determine whether officials have ordered your zone to evacuate.
- Follow the instructions that apply to your property and circumstances.
Residents should check their addresses before hurricane season rather than waiting until a storm threatens the area. Having this information ready can save valuable time when officials issue an evacuation order.
Visitors staying in vacation rentals, hotels, or other accommodations should also identify their location on the map. Property owners, landlords, and hosts can help by providing accurate evacuation information to guests.
Remember that identifying a zone and determining whether an evacuation order is active are two separate tasks. The map identifies your property’s designated risk area, while emergency announcements explain what action officials currently require.
What Do Zones A, B, C, D, and E Mean?
Santa Rosa County uses five primary hurricane evacuation zones: A, B, C, D, and E. These designations help officials communicate areas that may experience storm surge during a hurricane.
The county’s mapping information also recognizes locations outside the designated evacuation zones. However, being outside a mapped evacuation zone does not mean a property faces no flood risk.
The general zone classifications published by the county’s geographic information system are:
| Evacuation zone | General hurricane evacuation guidance |
|---|---|
| Zone A | Evacuate for all hurricanes and when ordered for tropical storms. |
| Zone B | Evacuate for Category 1 through Category 5 hurricanes. |
| Zone C | Evacuate for Category 2 through Category 5 hurricanes. |
| Zone D | Evacuate for Category 3 through Category 5 hurricanes. |
| Zone E | Evacuate for Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes. |
| Outside a designated zone | Follow applicable emergency orders and assess other risks, including flooding. |
These classifications describe the county’s general planning framework. They do not replace a current evacuation order, and they should not be used to decide that it is safe to remain at home.
For the October 9, 2026, Hurricane Isaias response, the active county announcement specifically includes Zones A, B, and C, along with low-lying areas and mobile homes. Residents should follow the latest official instructions rather than relying only on the general category guidance.
Mobile and manufactured home residents should pay particular attention to evacuation instructions. The county advises residents of these homes to evacuate because they can face substantial risks from dangerous winds and other hurricane impacts.
Which Areas of Santa Rosa County Are Covered by Evacuation Zones?
Santa Rosa County includes coastal communities, bayside neighborhoods, river corridors, inland residential areas, and rural locations. The evacuation map identifies designated areas throughout the county according to their potential exposure to storm surge.
The county’s October 9 announcement says Zone C generally includes areas on or close to waterways. Examples mentioned by officials include the Escambia River, Navarre Beach, Blackwater River, Escambia Bay, East Bay, and Santa Rosa Sound.
These geographic references help residents understand the broad areas that may require attention during an evacuation. They do not establish that every property near a particular waterway belongs to the same zone.
A home several streets away from another property may have a different designation. Elevation, location, and the county’s official mapping determine the applicable classification.
Residents in the following communities should verify their exact addresses instead of assuming their evacuation status:
- Navarre and Navarre Beach.
- Gulf Breeze.
- Milton and nearby residential areas.
- Pace.
- Bagdad.
- Communities near the Blackwater River.
- Areas around Escambia Bay, East Bay, and Santa Rosa Sound.
This list is not a declaration that every address in these communities falls within an evacuation zone. It identifies places where residents may benefit from checking the official map and monitoring emergency announcements.
The distinction matters because a countywide announcement may apply to specific zones and additional risk categories rather than every resident equally. An address-based check provides a clearer starting point for understanding the order.
Why Evacuation Zones Matter During Hurricane Isaias
Evacuation zones are designed to help residents leave areas that could become dangerous during a hurricane. Storm surge can push seawater inland, flood roads, damage structures, and isolate neighborhoods.
The danger does not depend exclusively on the hurricane’s wind category. Storm track, water levels, local geography, rainfall, and the condition of roads can all influence the hazards a community faces.
Santa Rosa County’s October 8 update warned of significant potential impacts from Hurricane Isaias. The county identified damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, high surf, rip currents, flash flooding, and tornadoes among the possible hazards.
The county also warned that flooding could affect underpasses, low-lying areas, and locations with poor drainage. Roads can become impassable even where water does not initially appear deep.
These risks explain why residents should prepare before dangerous weather arrives. Waiting until strong winds or heavy rain begin can make travel more difficult and expose evacuees to unnecessary danger.
Evacuation decisions should therefore follow official instructions, not assumptions based on how the weather looks outside. Conditions can change rapidly, and a relatively calm period does not guarantee that a dangerous storm will miss the area.
Residents who have already identified their zones can prepare their routes, arrange transportation, and choose a safe destination before evacuation traffic increases.
Where Can Santa Rosa County Residents Find Evacuation Maps?
Santa Rosa County provides both an interactive evacuation map and a printable map showing evacuation zones, routes, and shelters.
The interactive map is useful for checking an individual address. The printable map provides a broader view of the county and helps residents identify major roads and designated shelter locations.
The county’s evacuation map includes communities such as Jay, Chumuckla, Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. It also identifies major transportation routes, including Interstate 10 and U.S. highways.
Residents should use the official county mapping resources rather than relying on screenshots shared on social media. Older maps may not reflect the latest published information or emergency instructions.
When reviewing a map, pay attention to three details:
- Your evacuation zone: Confirm the designation attached to your address.
- Your evacuation route: Identify roads that lead away from the affected area.
- Your destination: Decide where you will stay and how you will get there.
A map is a planning tool, not a substitute for real-time emergency information. Road closures, flooding, and other hazards can affect whether a route remains safe.
Before leaving, check current road conditions and follow directions from local emergency officials and law enforcement.
Current Shelter Information for Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County announced that the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center in Milton would open as a shelter at 8 a.m. on October 9, 2026.
The facility is located at:
Clyde L. Gracey Community Center
5629 Byrom Street
Milton, Florida
The county’s announcement states that residents do not need to register in advance to use this shelter. It also identifies the facility as pet-friendly.
Residents who plan to bring pets should prepare appropriate carriers, proof of vaccinations, pet food, water, leashes, and other necessary supplies. Pet owners should follow the shelter’s instructions for bringing animals inside.
The county cautions that public shelters may provide basic protection without the comforts of a hotel or private residence. Its announcement also states that meals are not provided at this shelter, so residents should bring their own food and essential supplies.
People who need transportation assistance should call 850-983-4636 as early as possible. The county states that transportation depends on wind conditions and will take eligible residents to designated shelters.
Shelter arrangements can change during an emergency. Residents should verify the latest opening status and available services before traveling to a facility.
What Should You Bring to an Evacuation Shelter?
Prepare a compact bag containing the items you need for several days away from home.
Important supplies include:
- Personal identification and essential documents.
- Drinking water and nonperishable food.
- Prescription medications and necessary over-the-counter medicines.
- A change of clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
- Blankets, pillows, or sleeping bags.
- Flashlights, spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
- Toiletries and personal hygiene products.
- Supplies for infants, older adults, and anyone with specific needs.
- Phone chargers and backup power supplies.
- Pet carriers, vaccination records, food, and water for animals.
Keep important medications and identification somewhere accessible. If possible, pack these items before an evacuation order arrives.
What Is the Difference Between an Evacuation Zone and a Flood Zone?
Evacuation zones and flood zones describe different types of risk. Santa Rosa County specifically advises residents to check both when preparing for severe weather.
An evacuation zone primarily helps emergency officials identify areas that may need to be evacuated because of storm surge during a hurricane.
A flood zone is a separate designation used in flood-risk mapping. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, maintains flood maps for the National Flood Insurance Program.
These maps help identify properties exposed to different levels of flooding risk. Flood zones can influence insurance requirements and other property-related decisions.
The two designations do not always overlap.
For example, a home outside a designated hurricane evacuation zone may still face flooding from a nearby stream, pond, drainage problem, or heavy rainfall. Conversely, an evacuation-zone designation is not the same thing as a determination that a property will flood during every storm.
Residents should not assume that a home is safe simply because it is outside Zones A through E.
During Hurricane Isaias, this distinction is particularly important because the county has warned about both storm surge and heavy-rainfall flooding. Residents should follow evacuation orders and respond to any separate flood warnings that apply to their location.
How to Prepare Before Leaving Your Home
Once officials order an evacuation, residents should prioritize safety over protecting possessions. Preparation completed in advance can make the process faster and less stressful.
1. Confirm your evacuation instructions.
Check your address and read the latest county announcement. Determine whether your zone is under an evacuation order and whether additional instructions apply to mobile homes or low-lying areas.
2. Choose a safe destination.
Consider staying with family or friends in a location outside the affected area. A suitable hotel or designated public shelter may also be an option.
Santa Rosa County advises residents that evacuation does not always require traveling hundreds of miles. Moving a shorter distance to a safe location may be sufficient, depending on the emergency instructions and destination.
3. Prepare your vehicle.
Keep your fuel tank sufficiently full and check your vehicle before departure. Bring essential supplies, identification, medications, and contact information.
4. Follow official routes.
Use designated evacuation routes and check road conditions before leaving. Do not assume a familiar road will remain open during a hurricane.
5. Protect family members and pets.
Arrange transportation for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone who may need additional assistance. Take pets with you and plan for their needs.
6. Secure your property if time allows.
Bring loose outdoor objects inside, secure items that could become dangerous in high winds, and follow appropriate utility-safety instructions. Never delay an ordered evacuation to complete household preparations.
7. Keep receiving emergency alerts.
Charge your phone and keep it accessible. Consider using a battery-powered weather radio as a backup if electrical service or cellular coverage fails.
The county’s AlertSantaRosa system provides emergency notifications. Residents can use it to stay informed about incidents and severe-weather developments affecting selected locations.
What Happens If Your Zone Is Not Under an Evacuation Order?
An area that has not received an evacuation order may still experience dangerous weather. Storm surge, flash flooding, falling trees, damaging winds, and power outages can affect locations beyond the zones named in an initial announcement.
Residents outside Zones A, B, and C should continue monitoring official updates. They should also understand their property’s flood risk and prepare to respond if officials expand the evacuation area.
The county’s October 9 announcement specifically includes low-lying areas and mobile homes in addition to the three named zones. Therefore, residents should not interpret the announcement as applying only to people whose addresses appear within Zones A, B, or C.
People with medical needs or limited transportation should prepare early. If leaving requires help from another person, contact emergency officials before hazardous conditions make travel more difficult.
Residents should never enter floodwater to reach a destination. Flooded roads can conceal damaged pavement, strong currents, and hazards that are difficult to see from a vehicle.
If officials issue an evacuation order for your area, follow it promptly. If they issue additional safety instructions, use the newest guidance rather than relying on an earlier announcement.
Where to Get the Latest Santa Rosa County Evacuation Updates
For current evacuation information, residents should prioritize official county emergency management announcements.
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management lists the following contact information:
- Citizen Information Line: 850-983-4636.
- Emergency Management Office: 850-983-5360.
- Office address: 4499 Pine Forest Road, Milton, FL 32583.
Call 911 for an immediate emergency.
Residents can also consult the county’s official website for its interactive evacuation map, evacuation announcements, shelter information, and road-closure updates.
For current weather information, the National Weather Service’s Mobile office provides forecasts and warnings for the region. Florida’s 511 service offers roadway information to help drivers assess travel conditions.
Information from social media can help direct residents to official announcements, but an unverified post should not determine whether someone evacuates. Check the original county notice and its publication time before acting on information shared by another account.
Because storm conditions and emergency orders can change, residents should verify the latest instructions whenever they prepare to leave home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current Santa Rosa County evacuation zones?
Santa Rosa County uses Zones A, B, C, D, and E to classify areas according to their potential exposure to hurricane storm surge. As of October 9, 2026, the county’s Hurricane Isaias evacuation order covers Zones A, B, and C, as well as low-lying areas and mobile homes.
How do I find my Santa Rosa County evacuation zone by address?
Use the county’s official Know Your Zone interactive map. Enter your address and review the designation shown for your property. Then check the latest emergency announcement to determine whether an evacuation order applies.
Is Zone C under an evacuation order in Santa Rosa County?
Yes. Santa Rosa County announced that the evacuation order expanded to include Zone C at 8 a.m. on October 9, 2026, in addition to Zones A and B.
Do residents outside an evacuation zone need to leave?
Not necessarily, but residents outside designated zones must still follow any applicable emergency orders. They should also consider flood risks, mobile-home safety, and other hazards identified by emergency officials.
Are mobile homes included in the current evacuation order?
Yes. The county’s October 9 announcement includes mobile and manufactured homes, along with Zones A, B, and C and low-lying areas. Residents should follow the county’s instructions and evacuate when directed.
Where can I find Santa Rosa County evacuation routes?
The county publishes a map showing evacuation zones, designated routes, and shelter locations. Residents should review the map before an emergency and check current road conditions before traveling.
Is there a pet-friendly evacuation shelter in Santa Rosa County?
The county identified the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center at 5629 Byrom Street in Milton as a pet-friendly shelter in its October 9 announcement. Verify the facility’s current operating status and bring the required pet supplies.
What is the difference between Zone A and a FEMA flood zone?
Zone A is a hurricane evacuation designation used to identify areas that may need to evacuate because of storm surge. A FEMA flood zone describes a property’s mapped flood risk. The two classifications are separate, so residents should check both.
How can I receive emergency evacuation notifications?
Residents can monitor Santa Rosa County Emergency Management announcements and sign up for the AlertSantaRosa notification system. They should also keep phones charged and maintain a backup way to receive weather warnings.
Can evacuation orders change after they are announced?
Yes. Emergency officials can expand, modify, or update orders as conditions develop. Residents should monitor the latest official announcements and follow the instructions that apply to their location.
If you live in Santa Rosa County, check your evacuation zone now, follow the latest official safety instructions, and share your questions or preparedness tips in the comments to help others stay informed.